Got Cherries? Make Boozy Cherry Soda

I was pleasantly surprised last week at the farmers' market to discover cherries. Because I lived in California most of my adult life, this wouldn't have shocked me a few years ago. But here in Seattle, most of the summer produce is usually delayed in comparison. But last week, early season cherries arrived. Now: what to do with them?

Truthfully my favorite thing to do with fresh cherries is to make cherry pie with a rye crust. Not too sweet, kissed with just a little lemon juice and zest — this is the sign that summer has arrived.

But a close second will be these cherry sodas made from fresh cherries, ginger beer, and a little glug of vodka and Elderflower liqueur. It's refreshing on a hot June day — the perfect way to usher in summer slowly and gently. The blend of fresh cherries and lime juice in the food processor makes a ruby red mess of summer that I find myself wanting to spoon onto everything I can think of: vanilla ice cream, crusty bread, morning yogurt. But for now, it's all about the fizzy summer cocktails. In the middle of June.